Reviving Fiji Girmit Awareness:A Small trip by a Fiji Minister - a Milestone for Girmit History

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Fiji Girmit Foundation in New Zealand was formed by a passionate group of people interested in promoting awareness of Girmit, especially in the new generation, who appear to have lost pride in their heritage. A recent visit to Fiji has created some milestones:

1) Thanksgiving visit to Nasilai Village, and partnership in village developments
2) Discussion on inclusion of Girmit History in Fiji School curriculum..
3) Discussion initiated for 14 May to be declared as Public Holiday in Fiji.
4) Schools assistance projects initiated.
5) Library book drive in New Zealand for Fiji schools to be undertaken.
6) Translation of Rajendra Prasad's "Tears in Paradise" into ITaukei language. 

Read a detailed analysis of achievements and future direction of the organisation.

Master Shiu Charan, President of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand with Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, who was the Chief Guest at Girmit Day in Auckland in May, 2015.

As the Fiji Airways Boeing 737-800 glided in descent-mode to Auckland International Airport early Sunday morning on 18 October, 2015 the memories of an eventful trip to Nasilai Village came flooding in. After having that good airline meal of chicken pasta, I was reminded of all the delicious nice food that was served to us by the village ladies - so tasty, cooked, with so much love for the visitors, and served with so much hospitality. We salute Nasilai Villagers of Nausori, Fiji.

Our delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand was overall satisfied with the success of a memorable and effective pilgrimage to Fiji. When the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was chosen and invited as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker for Girmit Commemoration on 17 May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand, some objected. But we reminded them that our history and mythologies show that people do change, and the path that Fiji Government has taken is historic in itself.

While commemorating Girmit on the theme of Syria Ship tragedy, we expressed our desire to Minister Kubuabola that we wished to visit and honour the descendants of the villagers at Nasilai Village. He agreed to facilitate and echoed that milk of human kindness tend to ooze out in times of adversity. He applauded the plan of the Girmit Foundation to present a plaque to the people of Nasilai, the descendants of those villagers who risked their lives to rescue the survivors of the wreck.

“This noble gesture would appropriately recognise a significant historical event and at the same time serves as a reminder of the humanity, compassion and goodwill that prevailed in a most tragic circumstance. It confirms that the goodness within us transcends boundaries, and therein lies our hope,” the Minister said. He added that he was hopeful that the gesture of the Foundation would help contributing promotion of better understanding and goodwill amongst the different communities that make up our multicultural Fiji.

In reply the Trustee of Girmit Foundation, author of ‘Tears in Paradise” Rajendra Prasad, thanked the Minister for his kind words and congratulated the Minister and the Bainimarama’s Fiji First Government of forging a new hope for all the citizens of Fiji, with equality, fairness and social justice for all. He alluded to the fact that the biggest issue with lack of knowledge on Girmit (indenture) was because the History is always written from the viewpoint of victor and history of Fiji Indians have been stolen. 

“To correct this anomaly, the Foundation is requesting the Minister for his government to consider including Girmit History in Fiji’s education curriculum, and to declare 14 May, the anniversary date of arrival of first Indians to Fiji, as a Public Holiday. These would not only create better understanding of the historical perspective, but would also be a fitting acknowledgment to those ordinary Girmitiyas who did extraordinary deeds in extraordinary times,” the author Rajendra Prasad requested the Minister, who promised to take these requests to the government.

Meeting the Minister: New Zealand delegation meeting Minister Kubuabola on 13 October, 2015 in his office. From left: Vijendra Prasad, Viren Lal, Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Head of Girmit Delegation, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Secretary of NZ Girmit Foundation and author of this article, Thakur Ranjit Singh, and Shashi Kala Singh.

One small gesture by the Minister by attending a Girmit function in Auckland has eventuated into a milestone, and working for benefit of all towards that. A delegation from New Zealand made a thanksgiving trip to Nasilai Village on 14 October, 2015 and presented the villagers with gifts and a commemorative plaque. The villagers were also promised assistance through New Zealand and Indian High Commissions of some village projects that needed to be completed.

The delegation also met Minister Kubuabola to follow up on the request for May 14 to be declared a Public Holiday. This is under discussion and some positive outcomes are expected on this request.

Meeting Minister of Education: From left, Viren Lal, Minister for Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy, Vijendra Prasad, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Shashi Kala Singh and Thakur Ranjit Singh

The delegation, while in Fiji, also visited Minister of Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy.  “The Ministry is now looking at the curriculum and Girmit History is something that we hope to include in our curriculum, “Minister Reddy told the delegation. And some positive steps have already been taken. There was discussion on some rural school projects that were to be undertaken with assistance from some New Zealand Trusts. A suggestion was also made to commence a book drive whereby library books and other similar items would be collected in New Zealand and shipped to Fiji to be distributed in its schools, especially in the rural and maritime ones that need assistance. Girmit Foundation would work with the Ministry to bring this to reality in 2016.

During Minister’s visit during Girmit Commemoration, a suggestion was mooted where the book on Girmit history and events, “Tears in Paradise Sacrifices and Suffering, 1879- 2004” was to be translated into ITaukei (Fijian) language. This has now been facilitated by cooperation between Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indian High Commission in Fiji, and the book is in the process of translation by a Fijian scholar.

The book, authored by  Rajendra Prasad, Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand is being translated into ITaukei Language by a Fijian scholar, with assistance from Indian High Commission in Fiji

Finally, this revival of Girmit movement in Auckland was intended to inspire Fiji Girmit Council to get back to its old form and take a cue from Indo-Fijian Diaspora in New Zealand. As a result, a part of the delegation also made a courtesy call to Fiji Girmit Council’s Girmit Centre in Lautoka, where talks were held between the delegation and committee members of Fiji Girmit Council to work together for benefit of Girmit history.

As the early morning Fiji Airways flight number FJ415 hit the tarmac at Auckland International Airport on the night flight from Fiji at around 2am on a Sunday morning, I was jolted back, and appreciated Fiji Airways for the night flights, which have double benefits. While it makes maximum utilisation of its asset, the planes, with overnight and short-haul flights, it also gives the travellers on short Fiji trips that extra time back home with friends and relatives. No longer are two days wasted in travelling to and fro - they are undertaken in the depth of the night. Very nice gesture from Fiji Airways. I suppose I could make a good overseas Fijian Travel writer for Fiji Airways. I wished to be that, but it seems they still believe you need to be a White man to write well. Perhaps like Girmit, a colonial hangover.

But, yes, this was not the last trip. As Nasilai Villagers lamented that many people visited them but never came back, the New Zealand delegation has found a very good ally in Fiji Government, especially its Minister for Foreign Affair, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola. Hence the above-mentioned projects and initiatives would end up bearing fruits in fertile vision. And we promise to fly Fiji Airways again. Thanks for the nice friendly service, and that midnight double can of Fiji Gold. Isa lei Fiji. Nasilai Village, we will visit again, and relish that crab curry I longed to eat more of. Vinaka Vaka Levu, Nasilai Villagers, and Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, and your very effective team in Suva, Fiji. We will come again.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a Founding Trustee and the Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation, New Zealand. He was part of the delegation that visited Fiji and Nasilai Village. He runs blog site, FIJI PUNDIT, and Indian Media Watch, NZ, and is a media scholar, specialising in social media and covering Fiji news bypassed by the Indian mainstream media in New Zealand.]

The Witchdoctor- Baba Scandal: Indian Newslink breached Advertising Standards Code and Ethics

Advertising Standards Authority’s ruling: Indian Newslink was “IRRESPONSIBLE” in promoting fraudulent witchdoctors.

Indian Media Watch- New Zealand had lodged a complaint with Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) as a concerned citizen when there was an outcry of fraud and bogus witchdoctors from India, whose fraudulent practices resulted in financial loss to people. Indian Newslink was the leading paper which financially benefitted from giving “oxygen” by promoting these bogus fraudsters, masquerading as men of Hindu Gods. This Indian media which allowed such reckless, irresponsible and deceptive advertisement should have known of this deceit, especially when its Editor sits on various crime and ethnic advisory bodies, sanctioned by New Zealand Police. In addition, it hosts and promotes excellence awards. Indian Media Watch New Zealand has sought accountability from those (media) which generally sought accountability from others.

Indian Media Watch of New Zealand,  had made its first complaint  to the complaints committee of  Advertising Standard Authority (ASA). It was against the Auckland based Indian newspaper, Indian Newslink for violating some Basic Principles of the Advertising Code of Ethics. ASA ruled that Indian newslink was “IRRESPONSIBLE” in promoting fraudulent witchdoctors and showed a lack of "social responsibility to consumers and society”
While the paper has changed the colour of its masthead to convenient blue (coinciding with the new flag and National Party colour), it does not absolve them of the citing and rebuke by ASA.

The complaint to ASA was against the Auckland Indian newspaper Indian Newslink, its Publisher, Jacob Mannothra and its Editor and General Manager, Venkat Raman for violating the Basic Principles of the Advertising Code of Ethics vis-à-vis items 3 and 4 which read: 

3) No advertisement should be misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive the consumer. 

And 

4) All advertisements should be prepared with a due sense of social responsibility to consumers and to society.

In addition to above, rule 2 further amplifies above – 

Truthful Presentation which says that: Advertisements should not contain any statement or visual presentation or create an overall impression which directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity or exaggerated claim is misleading or deceptive, is likely to deceive or mislead the consumer, makes false and misleading representation, abuses the trust of the consumer or exploits his/her lack of experience or knowledge

Exhibit 1: Bhadra Kalimatha Astrological Centre advertisement of July 15, 2015 edition, page 4 (supporting advertisements attached):

The misleading advertisements, named after deities, with religious photos to con the religious-minded people who are made to believe these frauds possess some divine powers. 

The witchdoctors claim to have powers to solve  every imaginable human problems. They even claim to have powers to predict Lotto numbers, which they could never use themselves. It was extremely poor judgement for Indian media to accept such misleading advertisement which ended in people being cheated and robbed of money.

This advertisement gravely violated the requirements of the above principles and rule 2, as it was both misleading and deceptive. It was evident that due sense of social responsibility and duty of care were not exercised. 

ASA Decision

In advertisement for Bhadra Kalimatha Astrological Centre, the Complaints Board ruled that since the advertiser failed to substantiate or give a due response to the complaints, the advertisement had not been prepared with the requisite sense of social responsibility to consumers and the society. Hence the Complaints Board ruled that the advertisement was in breach of the complaints lodged above, and breached advertising code and guidelines.

It has cited Indian Newslink for failing to act responsibly. It ruled that Indian Newslink “had a responsibility under the principle of self-regulation to check the content of advertisement which ‘had NOT (my emphasis) been prepared with the requisite sense of social responsibility to consumers and society”

Discussion:

No response could be obtained from the advertisers because they had fled the country because of their illegal activities. The fact that Indian Newslink said they had stopped the advertisement is no gallant action on their part, as the goose laying golden eggs had absconded, hence there was nobody to pay for the ads, hence the paper had no option but to pull the ads. 

The main purpose in bringing this case and proving Indian Newslink wanting was to show that corporate and individuals with money, power and contacts are not above law. Media which seek accountability from others failed here when it was seen to be irresponsible and it appears to have abdicated its responsibility to the public and community at large. And this by an Indian newspaper claiming leadership in Auckland?

Also, this was from an Editor who was at forefront of fighting this evil and suddenly was gripped with selective amnesia. Why? All businesses need to have principles, especially those who have a big dance and song about dishing our awards for excellence in business, and hosting big lectures on good governance and building better society. You never do that by promoting frauds and their businesses of fooling vulnerable people.

Initially, yours truly Thakur and the Indian Media Watch had intended writing to the Commissioner of Police questioning the suitability of such a person representing ethnic communities, especially Indians, in crime, law and order issues. We will now leave it to the general public whether they wish to raise any concerns. I would also leave it to the good judgement and the conscience of the concerned person to determine, question and analyze his suitability for this august position. Anybody who appears to have compromised their morality and sense of public responsibility for profitability may not be best suited for any appointment that requires unblemished character of trust. I now leave it upon the general public whether they care. And let them be the judge.

Conclusion

In this David versus Goliath case, the intention was for a common person to be able to seek justice, and show they can make a difference. It was to seek justice for the society from media corporates, rich, well-off and influential people in the community with good connections, where they feel above reproach, criticism and censure. For a change, the media, which seek accountability from others were demanded to present their own, and Indian Newslink fell short. I now rest my case, and the lesson to Indian media in Auckland is that they are not above criticism and reprimand for any wrongdoing. Indian Media Watch New Zealand is not their enemy. It is just that it is friends of the community whose interest reign supreme.

A section of India media in Auckland which tried to defame this author and dubbed him as a “failed journalist” underestimated the power of a common man to seek justice for the community. FIJI PUNDIT (blog site) and Indian Media Watch New Zealand (Media-watchdog) are the by-products of this vendetta of hatred and show of power against a common simple person by so-called “giants” and influential people in the community. 

The irony in not lost that this is the first article of FIJI PUNDIT for 2016, and it is “released” in the same week that Bollywood movie, ‘Ghayal Once Again” is released. It is a sequel to 1990 blockbuster, Ghayal, which tells story of a common peaceful rural man –provoked, who fights back the high and mighty in the community. FIJI PUNDIT and Indian Media Watch New Zealand are no different.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is the principal of blog FIJI PUNDIT and Indian Media Watch New Zealand. He is a qualified journalist, a post graduate scholar from Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT) media school and former media personality from Fiji].

A THANKSGIVING TRIP TO NASILAI, THE SITE OF SYRIA TRAGEDY: TO ACKNOWLEDGE ITAUKEI MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

A PILGRIMAGE TO NASILAI VILLAGE BY FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ DELEGATION

Thakur Ranjit Singh

FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ has been active and in existence for almost a decade. In October, 2015, it organized a Thanksgiving  pilgrimage from Auckland, NZ  to NASILAI village, the village which had come to rescue of victims of SYRIA TRAGEDY, which you read before in another FIJI PUNDIT article. This article is an account of that visit.

As the Delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand was leaving Nasilai Village after their thanksgiving visit on 14 October, 2015, there appeared to be some divine and unexplained force, urging them to return later. It was certain that it was not our last trip-there was some bond that was pulling us to come back to Nasilai Village.

It appears the whispered legends about spirit of those drowned Indian labourers at Nasilai reef are urging us to comeback. There is talk about strange language and happenings around the reef. Maybe the souls of the drowned Girmitiyas over 140 years ago, are still wondering.

FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ did return to the village and helped the renovate and build their community hall and an attached toilet block worth some $150,000.

Maybe others can make a pilgrimage trip to the village where the villagers are as friendly as their forebears were on the fateful night Syria ran aground....PLEASE READ ON......

The welcome sign to Nasilai Village. Over 140 years ago, the forebears of the villagers came to the rescue of and gave shelter and hospitality to survivors of SYRIA (Girmit Ship) Tragedy. 

As the formal ceremony commenced in vakatunoloa (community meeting hall) at Nasilai Village on an overcast morning on 14 October, 2015 at Nakelo, (Rewa) Fiji, the high tide was lapping on the shores some meters away from the meeting house. And the muffled lapping was audible inside. The sea was calm, and the high tide was receding.

History of Nasilai Village explained by this large billboard at the entrance to the Village

However this was not the case over 140 years ago, on a stormy night when the raging waves on the Nasilai Reef claimed 59 lives through sinking of the Girmit ship, Syria, which was carrying Indian indentured labourers to Fiji.

Then, the forebears of this current Nasilai villagers came to the rescue of the survivors and gave them shelter and displayed human love, compassion, hospitality and understanding of the universal language of love, even without understanding each other’s language. 

The Chief of Nasilai Village Chief Daunakelo, receiving the Tabua, and responding to the presentation by the delegation, under the watchful eye of the then NZ National List MP from NZ, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

On the day of our visit, the ride to the village reminded us of a wedding procession, with convey of government and high commission vehicles, including our bus. You drive through roads snaking through green vegetation past Nausori Airport and villages/settlements of Naselai,(check the spelling of this other village near Nausori Airport) Visama, Nakelo and thence to Nasilai Village through narrow, dusty and winding road. At the end of the road, very near to the sea there is a sign. It says: “Welcome to Nasilai Village.” 

Over a century ago, there was no road and no sign, but the “welcoming” gesture, character and trait of the village seems to have always been alive and bequeathed to successive generations.

The 2015 theme for Girmit Foundation Commemoration in Auckland was the sinking of ship Syria on the Nasilai Reef on May 11, 1884.(Refer to earlier story).

The Founding President of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ, Pundit Devakar Prasad had a dream to thank the villagers, but unfortunately passed away before the trip. A delegation from NZ traveled to Fiji to fulfill that dream of a thanksgiving trip. Without the villagers’ valuable, timely help and the traditional Itaukei culture of compassion, the loss of lives would have been much higher. 

Unfortunately, Fijian history has not resonated with such acts of compassion and sacrifice where our two communities stood by and for each other, in good times and in bad ones.

Indeed, there is enormous reservoir of love, affection and goodwill between the two races, which needs to be revealed and cherished. Had it not been for the divide and rule technique of the colonists, (adopted by some ethno-nationalist politicians and nationalist Chefs), there would have been better race relations in Fiji, as was displayed through human language of compassion on that fateful and eventful night over a century ago.

A Very Symbolic Gesture: Gratitude after over 14 decades to the descendants of the village which showed compassion and humanity to people in need. A bond was forged with the delegation from NZ, which promised to have the bond of friendship nurtured and facilitate developments and other assistance by other agencies, including NZ and Indian High Commissions. Secretary/Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ, THAKUR RANJIT SINGH shaking hands of gratitude with CHIEF DAUNAKELO of Nasilai Village, in the shadows of Girmit Banner.

Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was the Chief Guest in that Girmit Commemoration on May 17, 2015 in Auckland. The President of the Foundation, Master Shiu Charan commended Nasilai villagers for their timely assistance and hospitality. Unfortunately due to doctor’s advice, he could not travel to Fiji and was deputized by Sardar Harnam Singh Golian.

Now, to fulfil our undertaking of honouring the villagers, a delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation ventured on this pilgrimage. It included Trustee/Head of Delegation, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, with a team of 8 from New Zealand. It also included the then New Zealand’s National Member of Parliament, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi. In Fiji, the delegation was joined by the then NZ High Commissioner, Mark Ramsden, official of Indian High Commission and other local community leaders and media. 

Presentation of Plaque to Chief Daunakelo (extreme left) by the Head of Delegation and Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation-New Zealand, SARDAR HARNAM SINGH GOLIAN (with glasses in front). Others in the picture are members of delegation from New Zealand (from left) Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Viren Lal, Vijay Prasad (back, partly obscured) and Trustee and current (2021) President Krish Naidu.

Gifts of food items, sporting goods and stationery were presented and very warmly received by the villagers in their meeting house. We were honoured with the traditional welcoming yagona (kava) ceremony followed by presentation of Tabua, (whale’s teeth) gifts and a commemorative plaque. There was networking and Talanoa session in which the delegate promised to maintain ongoing relations with the village and facilitate development through New Zealand and Indian High Commissions respectively and other agencies on an ongoing basis for the wellbeing of the village.

It was an emotional event where praises were made to the forebears of the villagers for their compassionate, humanitarian and courageous act of rescue and hospitality. It was especially emotional for the great-granddaughter of one of the survivors of Syria tragedy, Mrs Padma Wati Charan, (wife of Master Shiu Charan) who, with her son Vinesh, had made that special trip from New Zealand as part of the delegation. Her great grandfather, Thakur Kuldip Singh was a survivor of that fateful ship that met a fateful landing.

Jiko Rasoqosoqo, Acting Chief of Protocol at Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (left, sitting) with Mrs Padma Wati Charan, whose great grandfather from Rajasthan, India was on board the Syria that sank. Luckily, he survived and was looked after by the villagers. It was a nostalgic moment for Padma to be present in the village whose forebears helped her great grandfather.

In general discussion, the villagers cited the immediate need for repairs to their meeting house, addition of a toilet block and completion of a Syria monument that was reportedly undertaken earlier by Indian High Commission. The villagers were thankful to be remembered, and they commented that others had visited before, but forgotten them. They were assured by Sardar Golian that they will not be forgotten, ‘We will work with other agencies to make sure that assistance is given where required, and we will make further visits in future.” he told Chief Daunakelo. The NZ High Commissioner, also assured them of assistance they would provide.

The delegation was treated to a very tasty, healthy and mouth-watering, lunch, which was enjoyed by the delegation and a large media contingent who covered the event. The food appeared to have been very lovingly prepared, and that added to its taste. The event was well-publicised in Fiji media which helped in bringing awareness about Girmit and the inter-ethnic compassion that existed so early in Fiji’s history.

On our way, we visited Nasamila District School. This was facilitated by Ministry of Education. Once again the usual hospitality was displayed by the school teachers and students. It caters for four nearby villages, including Nasilai. The visitors were thrilled by the show of respect, and performance of cultural programmes. 

We presented the school with some sporting goods and stationery, and promised to extend development through educational aid agencies in New Zealand. Our eyes welled up when the Nasamila Cultural Group of students sang the ever haunting and melodious farewell song-Isa Lei.

The delegation was overwhelmed by show of respect and welcome at Nasamila District School, where children from Nasilai Village attend, apart from other three nearby villages. The school children said "good-bye" to  the visitors, with an emotional Isa Lei song. It appears hospitality to visitors in that neighborhood has been bequeathed by their forebears to the current generations.

As we departed Nasilai, one thing was certain. The love, compassion and hospitality that was displayed to the Indian Girmitiyas over140 years ago was evident and inherited by the descendants of those villagers with a big heart. 

And the Itaukei hospitality so well-known worldwide again won the day. It was certain that it was not our last trip - there was some bond that was pulling us to come back to Nasilai Village. 

The Nasilai Light house and splashes of waves on the reef, taken by Sony Zoom camera from Nasilai Village (by Thakur Ranjit Singh).You can see the waves splashing on the reef. If the Captain of the ship was doing his job properly, disaster could have been averted. By 7pm on the fateful night, there was a full moon and had a lookout been posted on the masthead, disaster could have been averted as the breakers would have been visible from a long distance on a moonlit night. But this was not done, and disaster happened due to human weakness, inexperience and negligence. By the time they saw the reef it was too late - the ship hit the reef and started disintegrating at 8.30pm.

It appears the whispered legends about spirit of those drowned Indian labourers at Nasilai reef are urging us to comeback. And by God, we will come back. In addition to development of the village and the school, we may also bring some priest or pundit (may be FIJI PUNDIT should be enough) to appease those wondering souls still seeking salvation and Satgati.

Shat Shat Naman to those who perished and those who helped- salutations.

Om Satgati - may they achieve their final salvation.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a founding Trustee and Secretary of Trustees of Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand which came on the thanksgiving trip to Nasilai Village on 14 October, 2015. He was a member of the delegation and communications link between Fiji Government and the Foundation. He is a community worker, a media commentator and scholar, and runs his blog site, FIJI PUNDIT]

I have a Dream: A Thanksgiving Pilgrimage to Syria Wreck in Fiji

The deathbed-Syria Wreck -What is left of Syria at Naselai Reef at Nakelo on Naselai reef in Tailevu, Fiji.

As a delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand is headed for Naselai Village on a thanksgiving trip on Wednesday 14 October, 2015, we cannot forget the historical events leading to this trip. Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was the Chief Guest in Girmit Commemoration on May 17, 2015 in Auckland, with the theme of Syria Wreck. On a fateful night of 11 May, 1884, villagers of Naselai Village risked their own lives and courageously provided valuable and timely assistance, comfort and hospitality in saving many Indian lives.

Now, to honour the villagers, a delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation, led by President/Trustee Master Shiu Charan, Secretary/Trustee, Thakur Ranjit Singh, Trustee Sardar Harnam Singh Golian and Krishal Naidu, with members Viren Lal and Vijendra Prasad, among others, are visiting Naselai Village and Naselai Reef on a thanksgiving pilgrimage. New Zealand National Party List MP, Kanwaljeet Bakshi is also part of the delegation. They will perform a sevu sevu ceremony, gift a plaque of thanks and initiate a project with ongoing assistance to the village school. Let us, for a moment, go in “flashback” historical mode.

This was the original ship- Leonidas, which brought first Indian Girmitiyas to Fiji on 14 May, 1879. Syria was a similar sailing ship which perished on Naselai Reef on 11 May, 1884.

Let us dust some pages of history for a better perspective to this incident. It was a fateful, eventful and a night full of tragedies in 1884, where a raging sea proved once more that in front of the force of nature, human beings are mere mortals.

THE NIGHT SYRIA RAN AGROUND - RETELLING THE BIGGEST GIRMIT TRAGEDY

THE NIGHT SYRIA RAN AGROUND- RETELLING THE BIGGEST GIRMIT TRAGEDY

[Compiled by Thakur Ranjit Singh]

Fiji Times Story by Avinesh Gopal -Fiji Times of 28 May, 2013

THE BIGGEST GIRMIT TRAGEDY- REVISITING SINKING OF SYRIA -THEIR “GHOSTS” STILL HAUNT THE WATERS

While they died almost one and a half centuries ago, reportedly the spirits (aatma) of those 59 Indians who died in the biggest Girmit tragedy are still lurking in Nasilai reef waters, near the watery tomb of many.

And whenever those apparition or “ghosts” are sighted, they say something which the Itaukei (Native Fijians) population of the area do not understand. Perhaps they are crying..” maiya Bachaao..bachaao….”

Sometimes, their cries can also be heard from their "deathbed" — the sunken ship Syria — part of which is lying on Nasilai Reef off Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Tailevu.

A delegation from FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ, led by its Founding Trustees, SARDAR HARNAM SINGH GOLIAN, THAKUR RANJIT SINGH and KRISH NAIDU (now President of the Foundation) with a delegation of 10 from Auckland made a Pilgrimage and Thanksgiving trip to Nasilai Village on 14 October, 2015. That story coming later.

But please get informed through compilation of this historical event which shows, that  like in case of sinking of TITANIC in 1912,  this tragedy which happened 28 years before that, WAS ALSO DUE TO HUMAN NEGLIGENCE. We never seem to learn.

 

Please read…. and grasp many untold history of that tragedy…..(A BIT LONG BUT INTERESTING)....................... 

This article is adopted from The Fiji Times of 28 May, 2013 by Avinesh Gopal.

It is the intention of FIJI PUNDIT to create awareness in this history that is increasingly covered by dust. 

This is a re-published post, initially published in 2015.

We wish to wipe away that dust, in advance of a delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand, making a thanksgiving trip to Naselai Village on 14 October, 2015. The delegation from New Zealand is led by its Trustees, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Thakur Ranjit Singh and  Krishal Naidu, among a delegation comprising some ten from Auckland. 

Here is one article, leading to Nasilai Thanksgiving Trip to Fiji on 14 October, 2015. The article below is to rekindle, rejuvenate, reclaim, and reconnect Fiji Indian History, from The Fiji Times:]

Below is an extract from monument of Syria Wreck in Nausori. 
It sank on 11.05. 1881- over 14 decades agop.

On 13 March the Syria left Calcutta for Fiji. It carried 497 indentured adults, children and infants, as well as a crew of 43 (including 33 lascars – Indian seamen).

On the night of 11 May the ship was wrecked on Nasilai Reef as a result of inexperience and poor navigational facilities. Captain Benson dispatched a boat to Levuka to report the incident.

 

Canoes from Nasilai were the first to arrive to rescue the passengers, followed by the government boat Clyde. 

59 people died in the tragedy (56 immigrants and 3 lascars). Their bodies were buried near the village of Naivilaca who continue to maintain the site today.

 

The survivors were taken to Nukulau Depot 2 weeks after the incident where they were allocated to various plantations.

HERE IS THE STORY - "THE NIGHT SYRIA RAN AGROUND

THEY died about a century ago but their spirits reportedly roam near their death spot.

And whenever they are seen, they say something which the iTaukei population of the area is not too familiar with.

Sometimes, their cries can also be heard from their "deathbed" — the sunken ship Syria — part of which is lying on Nasilai Reef off Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Tailevu.

It is the story of indentured labourers who were brought to Fiji from India when the ship met her fate on the night of May 11, 1884, claiming 59 lives.

The wreck of Syria - from where reportedly the cries are coming from "deathbed", in a language that Itaukeis can not understand (could be Hindi? " Bachaao, Bachaao..") [Fiji Times photo]

Among those who died were women and children, including some babies.

The Syria was a 1010 tonne iron sailing ship (not streamship) with a length of 63.3 metres, breadth of 10.39 metres and depth of 6.33 metres.

Named after the Syria River in Karnataka in India and launched in 1868, she was primarily used for the transportation of Indian indentured labourers to the British colonies.

Details of some of the ship's voyages available on the free encyclopedia, Wikipedia, revealed that people died on board during trips to Trinidad, with the last trip to Fiji claiming most lives but in a different way.

The Syria left Calcutta in India on March 13, 1884 with 497 passengers in search of a better life in Fiji, like their fellow countrymen who first arrived here on May 14, 1879.

Records reveal that the ship had a crew of 43, of which 33 were lascars (Indians who were in Fiji before the first indentured labourers arrived here).

According to Wikipedia, the ship's journey was uneventful except that the route through the Indian Ocean and travelling south of Australia to utilise the prevailing winds took only 58 days, which was two weeks less than expected.

The theme of Girmit Commemoration in Auckland on 17 May, 2015 was Syria Tragedy, where Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was the Chief Guest. The Foundation had pledged to visit  Nasilai Village on a Pilgrimage trip, and honour the villagers with a plaque. This trip from a New Zealand delegation, at the guidance of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was on 14 October, 2015.

On sighting Kadavu at 9am on May 11, 1884, the captain failed to allow for the strong winds and currents and consequently, the ship was closer to Nasilai Reef than the captain believed, it states.

By 7pm, there was a full moon and had a lookout been posted on the masthead, disaster could have been averted as the breakers would have been visible from a long distance.

At 8:15pm, the ship was about half a mile from the reef when the breakers were sighted and despite the captain's desperate measures to turn her, the Syria ran aground at 8:30pm.

Wikipedia states that five of the six lifeboats were destroyed by heavy seas and four crew members went to look for assistance in the sixth lifeboat.

Another view of the wreck of Syria Ship on Nasilai Reef in Rewa, Fiji

It states that the four crew members reached Nasilai Village at dawn but their inability to communicate with the natives resulted in them being taken to Levuka instead of Suva.

"On reaching Levuka at 5pm, a rescue party was organised and they reached the stricken ship at 9pm," the online encyclopedia states.

"Dr William MacGregor, the chief medical officer and acting colonial secretary, took charge of the rescue operations on the morning of Tuesday 13 May."

It is reported that when the first rescue boats reached the scene, the majority of the passengers were in the water on the reef, making it as far towards the land as they could.

But a considerable number was still in the wrecked vessel, mainly women and children, as the ship lay on her port side with everything thrown about in the breakers.

The encyclopedia states that the survivors were carried by boats and canoes to Nasilai Village, with the last rescue boat reaching the village at 8pm.

Some reports suggest that the captain of the Syria and the surgeon superintendent denied any knowledge of alcohol on board but the following day, several lascars were found drunk, some too drunk to save themselves.

Records from the Fiji Museum reveal that lascars were the first Indians to arrive in Fiji, at least 70 years before the arrival of the first group of indentured labourers and they even worked on the ships that brought Indians to Fiji.

According to The Wreck of the Syria, 1884 published on epress.anu.edu.au, the Fiji Marine Board met from June 4 to 17 that year and closely examined the crew, especially the captain and the first mate, and sought expert opinion of those familiar with Fiji waters.

The publication says the marine board found the captain severely wanting in the exercise of his duties and suspended his certificate for nine months.

The first mate was reprimanded for not having 'volunteered that interest in the navigation of that ship which might reasonably be expected from him', but no firm action was taken, it says.

Light House on Nasilai Reef , with waves crashing on the wreck of Syria, as viewed from zoomed camera from shores of Nasilai Village (Photo by Thakur Ranjit Singh - 14.10.2015)

Furthermore, the publication says that only one member of the crew, Second Mate Walter George Johnson was singled out for praise for doing his utmost for saving lives.

However, the villagers of Nasilai have a different version of the rescue efforts, as told to them by their ancestors and carried down the generations.

The chiefs and elders reportedly had their dinner and were relaxing on the night of May 11, 1884 when they heard people crying and yelling.

Although the shipwreck is about 500 meters away from the village, the villagers heard the noise because of the large number of people who were on board the ill-fated ship.

Story has it that the chief called all the villagers and told them to take canoes out to sea and check where the cries were coming from.

Jonetani Tawake Delai, an elder of the Methodist Church in Nasilai Village and a former soldier, said the villagers took two big canoes out to sea to check.

"When they reached the reef, they saw the ship broken and people scattered all over on the reef and in the water," Mr Delai said.

Syria memorial Monument at Syria Park in Nausori Town  near old Nausori Bridge.

Delai added:

The water was also yellowish and our ancestors didn't know whether it was from the curry powder, spices or something else that was on the ship.

From the stories passed down the generations, we know that our ancestors started picking up the survivors and putting them in the canoes.
"Since the natives were very big people at that time, they picked two, three and even four people at once and put them in the canoes"

Mr Delai said the survivors from the wrecked ship were taken to Nasilai Village by his ancestors and the neighbouring villages were notified about the incident.
He said the dead bodies were washed on the beach at Nasilai the next day. He added:

"Our ancestors went and buried the dead on the beach. They buried two or three people in one grave and the graves were marked with rocks from the reef.

"From what we know, those who died in the incident and were washed ashore on our village were accorded Christian funerals by our ancestors."

Mr Delai said the authorities at that time were notified about the survivors, who were taken away from the village, saying:

"And that was it. Our ancestors rescued the surviving passengers of the Syria because they were human beings, even though new faces.

If an animal is struggling in the water, people with a good heart will try and rescue it. In the case of the Syria, they were human beings so our ancestors were obliged to help them.

Even the dead were given a proper burial by our ancestors and the site of the wreck is something that we treasure because it has stories of what our ancestors did for people on the ship."

Mr Delai said Nasilai Village also had a treasured possession from the ship, something that was brought by their ancestors from the wreck.

He said Nasilai villagers and people from outside fish near the reef and the lighthouse, which is about 100 metres away from the shipwreck.

Story has it that what a person may experience when fishing alone near the reef may not be experienced in the presence of other fishermen in the area.

But the experience in the lighthouse is said to be the same, irrespective of you being there alone or with other people.

 
[And that experience is the cries coming from Syria wreck in a language that the Itaukeis (Native Fijians) cannot understand]

[This story from Fiji Times was republished by FIJI PUNDIT to bring the biggest tragedy of Girmit to the attention of the new generation of Girmitiya descendants. A delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ in Auckland visited Nasilai Village in Rewa, Nausori in 2015. That story of thanksgiving trip was also published by FIJI PUNDIT blog which is run by Thakur Ranjit Singh - coming shortly]

Rishi Shankar: A tribute from Indo-Fijian community in Auckland

The Indo Fijian community was saddened to know about the passing away of an old pillar of Indo Fijian community in Auckland, Lawyer Rishi Shankar. 

He hailed from a small hilly, dusty village in Lautoka, between Ba and Lautoka- in Qalitu, (Vitogo) Lautoka. He joined Fiji Police Force in 1950s and rose to the position of Police Prosecutor, working under the guidance of former Police Commissioner, P.U Raman. While still at police force, he did his law degree in New Zealand, and returned to head the Police Training School in Nasese, Suva. Upon retirement, he went into private law practice, in partnership with a prominent Ba lawyer, G. P. Shankar, and later opened his own office in Nadi.

Rishi Shankar: A well-liked community person, very friendly, likable and generous.

He later went into politics and was a National Federation Party (NFP) candidate in the ill-fated Bavadra Government of 1987. As the Lady Luck would be on his side, for some reason, he was not present in the fateful day, and fateful time in Fiji Parliament, when Sitiveni Rabuka committed treason at 10am, which we call the original 1987 coup.  He later flew to New Zealand and informed the government here about situation in Fiji. Since then, he has settled in Mt Wellington, Auckland and operated his law firm.

Rishi Shankar – an individual with a Golden Luck, Golden Heart and Golden Smile, is no more, but his memories will linger with us. A close friend of Rishi Shankar, Master Shiu Charan pays tribute to his friend. 

Shankar had Golden Luck, because for some reason, he was not present in Fiji Parliament when Rabuka executed the original coup, hence he was able to travel to NZ and seek support for a movement against the coup. He had Golden Heart because he was very compassionate about helping religious and social organisations. He had a Golden Smile, as he was so dear, and pleasant to all, with a very contagious friendly disposition.

Shankar’s relative, family friend and political colleague, Master Shiu Charan, who provided the information on him, was really saddened with the departure of his another friend. This was so soon after passing away of another NFP and religious and social colleague, Pundit Devakar Prasad, within a period of less than six months.

“I am really saddened by the passing away of my dear friend who has always been a friendly individual, with a very pleasant disposition. He has been such a nice and well-liked person from his days in the police force where he was popular with colleagues and friends, and still so, until his death” Master Shiu Charan said. He added that Shankar was also a community oriented person who always has a soft spot for religious and community organisations.

Rishi Shankar (extreme left) sharing meal with Dr Shamshud Deal Sahu Khan (centre) and Nek Mohammed,  at Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ's Girmit Day at Skipton Hall, Auckland in May, 2014

In his capacity as a Trustee of Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust and as President and Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation, Master Shiu Charan paid tribute to generosity of Shankar. “He was one of the first there donors who kicked off Ram Mandir’s fundraising campaign on 30 October, 2014 with a big donation. He has also been in the forefront to commemorate the memories of his forebear Girmitiyas in our successive Girmit Remembrance Day. He gave moral and financial support to community organisations.” said Charan.

Trustees of Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust and Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand join with other Indo Fijians and well-wishers to pray for the family and salvation and peace for his soul. He will be dearly missed by all in the community. May his soul rest in peace.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh runs his blog site, FIJI PUNDIT. He is also a Trustee and Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ, where Shankar was an active supporter]